Conjunctions are connecting words; they join parts of a sentence. In this lesson, we’ll look at two types of conjunctions.
Coordinate conjunctions are used to join equal sentence parts: single words, phrases, and independent clauses. When two full clauses are joined, they are usually separated by a comma. The coordinate conjunctions you will most often see in Structure problems are listed in the chart below:
| Coordinate Conjunction | Use | Example |
| and | addition | Hereford cows are brown and white. He washed his car and cleaned out the garage. |
| or | choice, possibility | This plant can be grown in a house or in a garden. Her action was very brave or very foolish. |
| but | contrast, opposition | He brought his wallet but forgot his checkbook. The book discussed some interesting ideas, but it wasn’t very well written. |
| nor | negation | He’s never taken a class in sociology, nor does he intend to. |
| so | effect | It was a bright day, so she put on her sunglasses. |
| (The conjunction so is used to join only clauses–not single words or phrases.) | ||
Conjunctive adverbs (moreover, therefore, however, nevertheless, and so on) are also used to join clauses, but in Structure problems, these words are most often used as distractors–they seldom appear as correct answers.
Correlative conjunctions are two-part conjunctions. Like coordinate conjunctions, they are used to join clauses, phrases, and words.
| Correlative Conjunction | Use | Example |
| both . . . and | addition | Both wolves and coyotes are members of the dog family. |
| not only . . . but also | addition | Dominic studied not only mathematics but also computer science. |
| either . . . or | choice, possibility | We need either a nail or a screw to hang up this picture. |
| neither . . . nor | negation (not A and not B) | Neither the television nor the stereo had been turned off. |
∇ Sample Item
The automobile began as a toy ________________ developed into a powerful force for social change.
(A) it
(B) but
(C) when
(D) or
There is a contrast in this sentence; the role of the automobile as a toy in its early days is contrasted with its later role as a force for social change. The only word among the four choices that indicates contrast is choice (B), but.
Singer Marian Anderson trained ________________ in the United States and abroad.
(A) not just
(B) and
(C) both
(D) not only
The correct structure for this sentence is both . . . and. Choices (A), (B), and (D) do not follow this pattern. (In choice (D), not only must be paired with but also to be correct.)